On Saturday, August 1st, 2009, from 3:00-11:00 PM, the 5th annual fire department benefit festival will be held at Bloomfield's Hol-field Rod and Gun Club located at 2857 Whalen Road off Rts. 5 & 20.
100% of the proceeds will go to our “heroes” at the four volunteer fire departments in the Bloomfield School District area: Bristol, Ionia, East Bloomfield-Holcomb and West Bloomfield. Our “harmony” will be the entertainment provided throughout the day by local talents.
How “Harmony for Heroes” was started:
“Harmony for Heroes” began from an idea Cheryl Walters had a few years ago. She started with two classical concerts in local churches (West Bloomfield Congregational Church and Bloomfield United Methodist Church). The concerts were free but donations were greatly appreciated. $1200 was received in the two years combined for the four volunteer fire departments. However, she envisioned thousand of dollars and realized a festival was a necessity including the “heroes” in action and the “harmonious” sounds from incredible local talents, vendors, kids’ activities and more!
So many people pitched in to help her on the day of the first festival. There wasn't a committee, but that soon changed. The festival has grown and a committee now oversees the many tasks that have to be done to organize and operate the event. Each year’s incredible committee donates much energy, love and support to this worthy cause. If you wish to volunteer your time, we would welcome new committee members for the next festival with open arms. Please contact the committee chairperson. You will make a difference and your services will be greatly appreciated!
Over $59,000 has been raised in the first four years of this event, thanks to the help of our sponsors, auction donors, and many volunteers. We thank everyone for for their generous donations and tremendous support. As a community we are well on our way to meeting our goal of "Helping Our Heroes” and “Making a Difference” in our community! Our objective remains to help recruit new members and to raise funds for necessary supplies and equipment for the four volunteer fire departments.
Planning for the 2009 festival
Committee Coordinators and Representatives:
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Chairperson - Cheryl Walters
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Becky Dey - Arts/Crafts/Food Vendor Co-Coord.
- Publicity Co-Coordinator
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Bill Smith - Auction Co-Coordinator
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Bob Bassett - West Bloomfield FD Volunteer
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Brian Miller - Ticket Co-Coordinator
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Brian Witz - Band/Entertainment Coordinator
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Cheryl Walters - Sponsor Coordinator
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Colletta Francese - Bristol FD Representative
- Arts/Crafts/Food Vendor Coord.
- Publicity Coordinator
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Dave Walters - Food Tent Coordinator
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Frank Wells - West Bloomfield FD Volunteer
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Jeff Henehan - Waterball Coordinator
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John MacKenzie - West Bloomfield FD Rep.
- Dunking Booth Coordinator
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Kathy Robinson - Secretary/Treasurer
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Lisa Sonricker - Auction Committee Volunteer
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Michelle Albrecht - Children's Activities Coordinator
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Mike MacMillan - EBH FD Representative
- Site Coordinator
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Mike O'Brien - Ionia FD Representative
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Nancy Young - Auction Committee Volunteer
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Patti Conklin - Auction Co-Coordinator
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Phil Barbeau - Auction Committee Volunteer
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Phil Sommer - Keep Us Clean Coordinator
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Rick Albert - Hol-Field Rod and Gun Club Rep.
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Rob Walsh - Ticket Co-Coordinator
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Robie Schlenker - Auction Committee Volunteer
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Roger Wells - West Bloomfield FD Volunteer
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Sally Coupal - Auction Committee Volunteer
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Wayne Parrish - Web Site Coordinator
